National Concert Hall seeking composers of healthy food
GLUTEN-FREE snacks along with wholesome foods sprinkled with some Mozart will be on the menu at the revamped catering operation at one of the country’s best known entertainment venues.
This follows the National Concert Hall (NCH) near St Stephen’s Green in Dublin seeking tenders from firms to operates its €1.3m-a-year catering and bar services.
The NCH said it will charge a commission fee of at least €120,000 a year to the successful operating firm.
With a heavy emphasis on healthy foods to be included in its new menu, the NCH said that interested firms are required to create menus “to reduce fat, sugar and salt and to increase fibre intake”. On the menus to be provided over the two years of the contract, the emphasis, according to the NCH, “will be to provide wholesome and healthy alternative menus with vegetarian and gluten-free options desirable”.
The tender states: “Only fresh food in season is to be provided and must not contain potentially harmful additives or preservatives.”
The tender documents confirm that last year, the NCH attracted 312,000 visitors and hosted over 1,000 events.
The two-year contract is to commence on August 4 next with the potential to extend for a further 12 to 18 months.
The tender states: “Given the nature of NCH’s business and status, it is imperative that the successful supplier will cater for all tastes.
It adds that “a superior quality service is essential”.
The tender specifies that NCH staff and resident organisations should have the benefit of a value-for money-menu with at least a 25pc discount from normal prices which can be served in the restaurant.
As part of the deal with the NCH, the caterer will be requested to support key Concert Hall initiatives through sponsorship of the annual corporate gala Black Tie four course dinner for circa 120 guests; an annual patron gala four course dinner for circa 50 guests; and agree a waiving of corkage fees for events promoted by the NCH.